John Vianney

French priest and saint (1786–1859)

Source-basedStable

Lived 1786–1859, aged 73France

France Religious Figures

Fame27.4
Momentum1.9
France rank#79
Religious Figures rank#137
Wikipedia16.2K

Wikipedia
42 languages
Cross-language footprint
Rank in France
#79
Religious Figures
Era
1786–1859
Aged 73

Summary

Updated 2026-05-29

French priest who spent his career hearing confessions in the tiny parish of Ars and somehow became so spiritually magnetic that Rome canonized him a saint in 1925. Now the go-to patron for anyone in the priesthood looking for a boost.

Biography

About

John Vianney was a French Catholic priest and member of the Third Order of Mary who is often referred to as the Curé d'Ars. Canonized a saint in 1925, he is known for his priestly and pastoral work in his parish in Ars, France, resulting in the radical spiritual transformation of the community and its surroundings. Catholics note his saintly life, mortification, persevering ministry in the sacrament of confession, and ardent devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. His feast day is 4 August. He is the patron saint of parish priests.

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